An important theme of the Baroque period was city-planning based upon the new sense of theatrical effects, where a unique cityscape was formed out of monumental staircases to combine architecture, fountains, water and sculpture. Fortification architecture had a special place in Baroque city-planning due to the uncertain times of frequent wars. In the southern regions of the Austrian Monarchy, on the territory of what is nowadays known as Croatia, the most important fortresses were built in Slavonski Brod, Osijek and Bjelovar.